Feeder construction



y 6, 1961 D. F. CUNNINGHAM 2,984,480

FEEDER CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 28, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 92 2 81 92 ,0? lA/l/EA/TOE': NALD F. CUNNINGHAM D. F. CUNNINGHAM FEEDER CONSTRUCTION May 16, 196] Filed Jan. 28, 1958 IAA/ENTO/Q: nova/.0 F. CUNNINGHAM, 65 W E7uuu9-W HTTOEh/E V6 y 1961 D. F. CUNNINGHAM 2,984,480

FEEDER CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 28. 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 4 lNl/ENTOR DONALD F. CUNN/NGHHM) May 16, 1961 D. F. CUNNINGHAM FEEDER CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 28, 1958 V ii y 1961 D. F. CUNNINGHAM 2,984,480

FEEDER CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 28, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 00mm. 0 F. CUNN/NGHAM United States Patent 2,984,480 FEEDER CONSTRUCTION.

Donald F. Cunningham, 231 E. Devon St., Milwaukee, Wis.

Filed Jan. 28, 1958, Ser. No. 711,583

Claims. (Cl. 271-9) The present invention relates generally to partition forming machines, and more particularly to a novel automatic feeder construction for supplying successive sets of preformed partition strips to an assembler unit in vertical, spaced, substantially parallel relation for subsequent interengagement by successively supplied transverse partition strips at an assembly zone.

In brief, the instant automatic feeder construction incorporates, as novel and related subject matter, a hopper including a plurality of compartments for holding stacks of preformed partition strips. Suction elements are provided beneath each compartment, each of which includes a suction cup pivotally movable into engagement with the undersides of successive partition strips stacked within the compartments. The suction devices successively deposit partition strips on a conveyer in substantially vertical positions for subsequent movement by the conveyer towards an assembly zone as successive sets of partition strips. Means are provided for releasing the partition strips from the suction elements. Also provided is a vertically reciprocating transverse bar by means of which each successive set of spaced vertically disposed partition strips is aligned prior to movement into the assembly zone. Continuously moving guide means cooperate with the conveyer to move the partition strips.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel automatic partition strip feeder construction incorporating novel means for successively disposing sets of partition strips in spaced vertical relation.

construction incorporating a continuously moving belt,

means for depositing successive sets of preformed partition strips upon the belt in vertical spaced relation, and

a singlealigning device for insuring movement of each set of partition strips into an assembly zone for accurate reception of transverse partition strips.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic feeder construction incorporating novel structure for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips in compartments 'within a hopper, and novel means for positively releasing the bottommost of each stack of partition strips to dispose the same in vertical relation.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic feeder construction which incorporates novel guiding means for the vertically disposed partition strips as they are moved from beneath the hopper to a point of discharge.

Another object is to provide a novel automatic feeder construction for preformed partition strips, which is capable of high speed delivery of sets of preformed partition strips to an assembly'unit in successive sets of vertically disposed spaced side by-side aligned partition t strips.

Another object is to provide an automatic feedercon- 2,984,480 Patented May 16, 1961 struction for preformed partition strips which is adapted to function for extended periods of time with minimum maintenance, which is simplified in its over-all layouts to expedite part replacement and repair when necessary, which has high capacity, which reduces rejected partition assemblies to a very low percentage, and which otherwise fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rear elevational view of an automatic feeder construction incorporating the principles of the present invention, the rear being considered the hopper end and the front being considered the end which discharges the sets of partition strips towards or onto an associated assembly machine;

Figure 2 is a left side elevational view thereof;

Figure 3 is a right side elevational view thereof;

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional View taken on substantially the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal, vertical, cross-sectional view taken through one of the compartments of the hopper, illustrating details of construction;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the structure for actuating the vacuum cup supporting arms;

Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view on the line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the front portion of the feeder construction, illustrating details of the alining structure;

Figure 10 is an enlarged, transverse, vertical crosssectional view taken on substantially the line 10-10 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 11-11 of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary horizontal enlarged crosssectional view on substantially the line 12-12 of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary horizontal, enlarged crosssectional view on substantially the line 13-13 of Figure 4;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of one element of the adjustable cam which actuates the transverse alignment bar;

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the other element of the adjustable cam;

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of a control poppet valve structure;

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of a wedge member forming part of the hopper adjustment;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary plan view of the vacuum manifold, partly in section and parts being omitted and broken away for clarity and conservation of space;

Figure 19 is a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 19-19 of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a vacuum cup arrangement;

Figure 21 is a top plan view of a housing supporting the vacuum cup;

Figure 22is a side elevational view thereof;

Figure 23 is an end elevational view thereof;

Figure 24 is a detailed view of an arm member supporting a vacuum cup unit;

Figure 25 is an enlarged view illustrating structural details of the adjustable cam;

Figure 26 is an end view, further enlarged, of an elongated cam which supports one side of a stack of partition strips;

Figure 27 is a side elevational view of one end portion of the cam of Figure 24;

3 Figure 28 is an enlarged view of the open rear end of one of the partition strip compartments of the hopper as defined by two separators, and associated structure, parts being in' section and the upper part being broken away, illustrating a pivotally mounted arm carrying a vacuum cup in position with the vacuum cup engaging the bottommost partition strip of a stack thereof;

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 28, the arm i and vacuum being shown in an intermediate position with the engaged partition strip displaced downwardly from the stack;

Figure 30 is a view similar to Figure 28, showing the arm and vacuum cup in lowest position just prior to release of the partition strip, the movement positions of the partition strip being shown in dotted lines; and

Figure 31 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the vacuum and air layout.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 30 indicates generally an automatic feeder construction incorporating the teachings of the present invention. The feeder construction 30 broadly includes a supporting frame 32, a hopper structure 34, hopper discharge structure 36, a conveyer structure 38, partition strip guide structure 40, and partition strip aligning structure 42. I

The supporting frame 32, as illustrated, comprises four upright legs 44, top longitudinal members 45, intermediate longitudinal members 46, transverse members 47, rear longitudinal brace 48, and multiple diagonal braces. 49. The elements of the supporting frame 32 may be welded, bolted, or otherwise secured together, as desired.

As is clear from Figures 1 and 2, the hopper structure 34 is mounted upon the rear part of the supporting frame 32, and includes four vertical structural members 52, upper longitudinal members 53, intermediate longitudinal members54, lower longitudinal members 55, and diagonal braces 56.

The integrated hopper frame just detailed is mounted at an angle on the supporting frame 32 by means of suitable wedges 57, or the like, thereby tilting the hopper structure 34 and the partition strips contained therein forwardly.

A hopper main back plate 60 extends transversely between the upper portions of the two forwardly disposed structural members 52 and is secured thereto by bolts, or otherwise (Figs. and 6). Conveniently, the plate 60 is cast and is of the vertical cross section clearly shown in Figure 6, including a lower notch or groove 61 and an upper notch or groove 62, both of which extend the full length of the plate 60 and which are in opposed relation. The plate 60 supports a plurality of hopper separators each'generally designated 65. Each separator 65 includes a vertical attaching member 66, a lower member 67 secured to the attaching member 66 by suitable countersunk screws 68, an upper member 69 secured to the attaching member 66 by suitable countersunk screws 70, and a vertical front member 71 secured to the lower member 67 and to the upper member 69 by suitable countersunk screws 72 and 73, respectively. Side plates 75 and 76 cover the sides of the frame formedby the aforesaid members, being secured in place by suitable screws 77.

The attaching member 66 of each separator 65 is of the cross section clearly shown in Figure 6 and includes a groove 80 complementary to the groove 61 in the plate 60. The upper end of the attaching member 66 is bifurcated to form opposed legs 81 and a horizontal bight 82. The major portion of the bight 82 comprises a horizontal flange 83 through which is a vertical opening 84. The opening 84 receives a pin 85 forming part of a Wedge unit 86, an elongated wedge portion 87 thereof having a cross section complementary to the upper groove 62 of the plate 60 being disposed in said groove 62 (Figs. 6 and 17.) As is clear from Figure 6, the wedge unit 86 has clearance beneath the flange 83, thereby permitting limited vertical movement thereof, although not sufficient vertical movement for accidental removal of the separator 65, although this may be arranged if desired. A locking cam 90 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 91 between the legs 81. An actuating handle 92 is threaded into the cam 90 for rotation thereof in locking and unlocking the separator 65 in selected position on the plate 60. a a

It is manifest from the foregoing that the separators 65 may be moved transversely of the feeder construction 30 along the plate 60 for purposes of accommodating partition strips of different heights upon loosening the wedge unit 86, as aforesaid. Complicated adjustment mechanisms are thereby obviated and speedy accurate adjustment may be readily obtained through the abovedescribed structure. The separators 65 are spaced as desired to form compartments 95 therebetween and between the left end separator'65 and the left side of the supporting frame.

For adjusting the depth of each compartment 95, there is provided in each a depending member 96 which is adjustably mounted on a transverse bar 97 extending across'the separators 65 and mounted adjustably upon tracks 98 secured to the upper longitudinal members 53. Each member 96 is adjustably supported from the transverse bar 97 by means of an integral bracket 100, or the like, and a suitable setscrew 101.

Adjustably suspended beneath each separator 65 is an elongated cam which supports one longitudinal edge of a stack of partition strips 106 (Figs. 6 and 25-30). The cam 105 is formed with spaced rings 105' to reduce friction as the edge of a partition strip 106 is pulled thereby, and with reduced mounting ends 107. A depending plate 108 secured by suitable screws, or the like, to the rear end ofthe lower separator member 67 .rotatably mounts the rear end of the cam 105, the front end engaging a depending portion of the member 67. For adjusting the position of the'cam 105 to allow for partition strips of different widths, within a limited range, there is provided a T-shaped member 109 secured to the rear end of the reduced portion 107 and releasably anchored against movement by means of a setscrew 111 extending through a slot in the head of the member .109 and engaging the bracket 108. For supporting the other edge of the stacked partition strips 106, each lower separator member 67 has secured thereto or formed integral therewith a ledge member 115, which may be a continuous horizontal strip or a series of elements (Fig. 29).

The hopper discharge structure 36 includes a shaft 118 rotatably. supported beneath each separator 65, to which are secured brackets 119 (Fig. 24), three being illustrated with each shaft 118, although a greater or lesser numtion strips 106 stacked in the compartments 95 are illustrated in Figures 28-30.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate details of the actuating structure for oscillating the shafts 118 and vacuum cups 121. A transversely disposed bar 123 is mounted beneath the plate 60 by means of links 124 pivotally connected to the bar 123 and to brackets 125 bolted to the bottom edge of the plate 60. The bar 123 includes a channel 126 which receives rollers 127 pivotally mounted on the free ends of rocker arms 128, one of which is secured to the "forward end of: each shaft 118...One end link '124 is beneath the plate 60. Clamped to the outer end: of the shaft 129 for movement therewith is an arm 130, the free endof which is pivotally connected to an air cylinder described below. Inwardly of the arm 130 is a second arm 131 which is also secured to the shaft 129 for movement therewith, and which is referred to in further detail below. Both arms 130 and 131 are adjustable relative to the shaft 129, as is clear from the drawings. It is also clear that oscillation ofthe arm 130 will effect reciprocation of the bar 123 and therethrough oscillation of the shafts 118 and the vacuum cups 121.

A transversely disposed manifold 140 is mounted immediately forwardly of the hopper structure 34, being suspended by suitable straps 141 secured by bolts, or the like, to brackets 142 secured by bolts to the plate 60 (Figs. 2, 3, 18, 19 and 31). The manifold 140 is sealed at each end and is tapped substantially centrally by a pipe segment 143 which is connected by a suitable T-fitting 144 to a standard normally open three-way valve 145 by a pipe segment 146 and to a normally closed valve 147 by a pipe length 148 (Fig. 31). The three-Way valve 145 is connected by a pipe line 150 to a vacuum pump 151 operatively connected to and driven by a motor 152 mounted on the two brackets 142 (Figs. 3, 5 and 31). It is understood, of course, that the motor 152 has the usual leads for connecting the same into a source of power, all of which are well known in the art. In addition, as is well known in the art, suitable controls may be provided for the motor 152 by means of which the vacuum pulled by the vacuum pump may be varied as required.

The standard three-way valve 145, which is normally in open position communicating the lines 146 and 150 (Fig. 31), includes an operating arm 154 (Fig. 5), pivotal movement of which will close the valve 145 in respect to the line 150 and vent the line 146 to atmospliere. For pivoting the operating handle 154, there is provided a bellcrank lever 155 mounted upon a bracket 156 bolted or otherwise secured to the valve 145. The lever 155 is connected to the above-described arm 131 by a suitable adjustable rod 159. The arm 130 is pivotally connected by suitable slot and pin connection to the free end of a rod 161 vertically reciprocable by the piston of a standard air cylinder 162 pivotally mounted on a bracket 163 supported by the adjacent structural member 52 (Fig. 5). Air is supplied to alternate sides of the piston in air cylinder 162 from any conventional air supply, as indicated in Figure 31, control being effected by a standard air control valve 165 which is connected into the two ends of the air cylinder 162 by lines 166 and 167. Control of the air valve 165 is effected by poppet valve units 168 and 169 adjustably mounted on'a fixed shaft 170 supported by the conveyer structure 38 (Figs. 2 and 26) described below.

The poppet valve units 168 and 169 are connected to the ends of the air control valve 165 by lines 171 and 172, respectively. The poppet valve units 168 and 169 are successively engaged and actuated by a cam 173 mounted upon a driven sprocket 174 freely mounted upon the shaft 170. The sprocket 174 is driven by a chain 175, the other end of which is trained around a small sprocket176 secured to a shaft 177 which is syn chronized with the partition assembling machine with which the feeder construction 30 is employed.

Also tapped into the manifold 140 are pipe segments 180, there being one for each vacuum cup 121 and supporting fitting 122. Each fitting 122 is connected to its respective pipe segment 180 by a flexible hose 181. A

needle valve 182 is mounted upon each pipe segment 180 for control of the suction. It is clear that the foregoing arrangement affords a maximum of control in reparticular stack of.partition strips 106.

The valve 147,which isnormally closed as indicated "above, is mounted near the arm 130 and is opened by a bracket 185 connected to the. arm and movable therewith. As is clear from Figure 31, the bracket 185, on being lowered with the arm 130, engages the actuator member 186 of the valve 147 to open it and to exhaust the line 148 to atmosphere. The valve'147'cooperates with the three-way valve to break the vacuum at the vacuum cups 121 quickly and effectively in order to release the partition strips 106 at the bottom positions of the cups 121.

Beneath the hopper structure 34 and the hopper discharge structure 36 and above the supporting frame 32 is the conveyer structure 38' (Figs. 1-5). Two opposed longitudinal side frame members 190 of channel cross section are mounted upon a rectangular frame 192 comprising four channel members welded at the ends, as is clear from Figures 1 and 2. The frame 192 is mounted upon four vertical shafts 193 telescopically disposed in vertical sleeves 194 which are welded or.v otherwise secured to the supporting frame 32. Extending between the two transverse channel members of the frame 192 is a heavy plate 195, being welded or otherwise secured thereto, which is engaged by the upper end of a reciprocatable rod 196 connected to a piston within an air cylinder 197 mounted upon the supporting frame 32. Braces for the channel members 190 may be used as desired. Controlled air is supplied to the air cylinder 197 through connections 198 from any suitable source of air (not shown). Manifestly, the frame 192 may be raised or lowered by actuation of the air cylinder 197.

At their rear, the opposed channel members 190 support for free rotation a roller 200, the ends of which are mounted in conventional adjustment blocks 201. A driven roller 202 is secured to the above-mentioned shaft 177 for rotation therewith. The rollers 200 and 202 support a continuous belt 203 which directly receives thereon in edgewise positions dropped partition strips 106 (Fig. 4).

A bar 206 is secured to the side frame members 190 rearwardly of the hopper structure 34 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4). Secured to the transverse bar 206 and extending forwardly therefrom well beneath the hopper structure 34 are opposed plates 207 which serve as the initial guides for partition strips 106 deposited therebetween by the hopper discharge structure 36 above-described. The partition strips 106 drop directly between the plates 207 which are effective to maintain the partition strips in vertical position as they are carried forwardly to other guiding means by the conveyer belt 203 onto which they are deposited.

Forwardly of the hopper structure 34 is a shaft 210 which extends across the conveyor belt 203 at a height well above it, the ends thereof being secured in brackets 2'11 mounted upon and extending upwardly from the upper surfaces of the side frame members 190 (Figs. 2 5). A plurality of shafts 212 depend from and are adjustable along the transverse shaft 210. To the bottom of each shaft 212 is adjustably connected a horizontal arm 213 which terminates at its free end. in a bearing 215 which rotatably supports in depending vertical position an idler pulley 216 of shaft configuration having a plurality of annular grooves for the selective reception of vertically disposed continuous flexible cord guide members 217. Two vertically spaced guide members 217 are employed for each guide fence. The forward ends 216. Each driven pulley 218 is mounted upon the upper end of a vertical driven shaft 219 which forms part of a unit A disposed forwardly of the feeder construction 30, whichmay comprise part of an assembler machine or secondary feeder mechanism leading into an assembly machine, but which forms no part of the present invention. It is to be understood that the driven shaft 219 is rotated by well known mechanism and is synchronized through suitable gearing to move the continuous "7 guide'members 217 at a speed substantially that of the conveyer belt 203, or other speed as desired. On the forward side of the supporting fi'ame' 32 is mounted a gear casing 225 into which power is brought by a power input shaft 226, the other end of which is connected to a constant speed takeofi forming part of the machine with which the feederconstruction 30 is employed, although the input shaft 226- may be connected to a separate motor, if desired. An adjustable shaft 227 is connected into the gear casing 225 and is rotatably driven therefrom, the other end being connected to a bevelled gear 228 disposed in a gear box 229 welded or bolted to the forward end of the outer sideof the right-hand channel member 190 (Figs. 2, 4 and 13). The bevelled gear 228 meshes with a bevelled gear 230 in the gear box 229 which is secured to the shaft 177 for driving the same and the roller 202 secured thereto. A bearing 231 supports the shaft 177. i The partition strip aligning structure 42 is mounted at the forward end of the conveyer structure 38', and includes atransversely disposed angle bar 235 forwardly of the belt 203 (Figs. 2, 4, and 9-12). Each end of the angle bar 235 is secured to a block member 236 mounted for vertical reciprocation in a guide 237 bolted to a plate 238 welded to the legs of the channel members 190. Beneath the angle bar 235 is a shaft 240 rotatably mounted in bearings 241 bolted to the outer side, of the lower legs of the channel member 190. An adjustable composite cam 242 is secured by a setscrew to the shaft 240 beneath each block member 236 for selected reciprocation thereof. The cam 242 includes a first Part 243 (Fig. 14) secured to the shaft 240 by a setscrew and a second part 244 freely rotatable thereon and having an arcuate slot 245 therein. A setscrew 246 extends through the slot 245 into the side of the first part 243 aifording adjustment to vary the dwell of the angle bar 235 in its upper position. n the left free end of the shaft 240 is secured a sprocket 248 receiving a chain 249, the other end of which is trained around a small sprocket 250 secured to the shaft 177. Hence, rotation of the shaft 240 from the shaft 177 will effect reciprocation of the angle bar 235. It is to be understood that the angle bar 235 is set to move to a position above the surface of the belt 203 to momentarily halt and align each set of edgewise partition strips 106. After alignment, the angle bar 235 drops back to its down position; Return springs may be employed if desired, but the weight of the angle bar 235 is adequate under normal operations.

It is understood, of course, that suitable start-and-stop control units are provided for energizing the several electric motors which drive the components of the feeder construction 30 and the assembler machine with which the feeder construction 30 is used.

Operation ported arms are oscillated so that the suction cups 121 engage the bottom partition strips 106 and move them downwardly, as illustrated in Figures 28-30. The vacuum is broken as described above to permit the partition strips 106 to drop directly onto the belt 203 in edgewise positions.

The;belt'203 moves the edgewise disposed partition strips 106 forwardly as a set. Each set of partition strips "106 isthen. guided. forwardly by the flexible guide mem- 8 bers 217 which assist inthe positive forwardmovement thereof. j

As each set of partition strips 106 approaches the forward end of the conveyer belt 203,'the angle bar 235 is moved upwardly in timed relation to momentarily stop the partition strips 106 and to align them for subsequent receipt of transverse partition strips. As detailed above, the dwell time of the angle bar 235 in raised position and its movement into raised position can be adjusted.

It is manifest that there has been provided an automatic feeder construction which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic feeder mechanism for handling preformed partition strips comprising, in combination, a support, means for holding stacks of preformed partition strips, means for pulling downwardly the bottom partition of each stack of partition strips in said stack holding means, means for dropping pulled down partition strips onto longitudinal edges in substantially vertical position, a conveyer belt for receiving dropped partition strips and for moving them toward an assembly zone, and means for guiding and auxiliarly moving forward conveyed partition strips.

2. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, mechanism for positively moving downwardly the bottom one of a stack of partition strips comprising a manifold, means for pulling a vacuum on said manifold, suction devices movably mounted below and adjacent a stack of partition strips for engagement with a bottom partition strip, connecting means between said manifold and said suction devices whereby a vacuum pulled in said manifold is effective at said suction devices, means for breaking the vacuum at the suction devices including an exhaust to atmosphere between said manifold and said vacuum pulling means, a secondary exhaust to atmosphere connected into said manifold, and means for rendering said exhausts simultaneously effective.

3. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, and means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips.

4. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, each separator unit being retained in position by a locking cam and wedge readily releasable by hand to permit sliding movement of the separator unit along said plate, and means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of ifiifhtheedgewise disposed p ition strips, and means for driving saideonveyer belt and said endless cords in predetermined speed relation. In. automatic feeder construction, in combination, a continuous conveyer belt for moving sets of edgewise disposed partition stripstoward an assembly zone, and guide means for the partition strips comprising endless cordsmounted for engagement by the sides of the edgewise disposed partition strips, there being at least two opposed endless cords for guiding each edgewise disposed. partition strip, and means for driving said conveyer belt and said endless cords in predetermined speed relation.

7. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a continuous conveyer belt for moving sets of edgewise disposed partition strips toward an "assembly zone, and guide means for the partition strips comprising endless cords mounted for engagement by the sides of the edgewise disposed partition strips, means at the discharge end; of the conveyer belt for temporarily halting and aligning successive sets of edgewise partition strips moved by said conveyer belt, and means for driving said conveyer belt and said endless cords in predetermined speed relation.

8. automatic feeder machanism for handling preformed partition strips comprising, in combination, a support, means for holding stacks of preformed partition strips, means for pulling downwardly the bottom partition of each stack of partition strips in said stack holding means, means for dropping pulled down partition strips onto longitudinal edges in substantially vertical position, a conveyer belt for receiving dropped partition strips and for moving them toward an assembly zone, means for guiding and auxiliarly moving forward conveyed partition strips, and means disposed at the discharge end of said conveyer belt for aligning successive sets of edgewise partition strips.

9. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, suction means for positively pulling downwardly the bottom partition strip of each stack including a pair of pivotally mounted arms for each stack, each arm having a suction device at its free end for physically engaging the bottom partition strip, each pair of arms being movable into position to permit the removed partition strip to drop downwardly edgewise into position on its lower edge upon release from the suction devices, and means for releasing said suction devices.

10. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, means for pulling downwardly the bottom partition of each stack of partition strips, and means for dropping pulled down partition strips onto longitudinal edges in substantially vertical position.

11. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting u 10 j plate, fearwardly 'eiiteiiding separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, 'rneans for pulling downwardly the bottom partition of each stack of partition strips including movably mounted suction devices movable into engagement with the bottom partition strips of stacks thereof, means for moving the suction devices into engagement with bottom. partition strips and away from stacks with the bottom strips retained thereby, andmeans forreleasing retained strips to drop them into substantially vertical positions.

12. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extendingseparator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment 'therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator units for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one, edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, suction means for positively pulling downwardly the bottom partition strip of each stack including a pair of pivotally mounted arms for each stack, each arm having a suction device at its free end for physically engaging the bottom partition strip, each pair of arms being movable into position to permit the removed partition strip to drop downwardly edgewise into position on its lower edge upon release from the suction devices, means for releasing retained strips to drop them into substantially vertical positions, a conveyor belt for receiving dropped partition strips and for moving them toward an assembly zone, and means for guiding and auxiliarly moving forward conveyed partion strips.

13. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, suction means for positively pulling downwardly the bottom partition strip of each stack including a pair of pivotally mounted arms for each stack, each arm having a suction device at its free end for physically engaging the bottom partition strip, each pair of arms being movable into position to permit the removed partition strip to drop downwardly edgewise into position on its lower edge upon release from the suction devices, means for releasing retained strips to drop them into substantially vertical positions, a conveyer belt for receiving dropped partition strips and for moving them toward an assembly zone, means for guiding and auxiliarly moving forward conveyed partition strips, and means disposed at the discharge end of said conveyer belt for aligning successive sets of edgewise partition strips.

14. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopper structure comprising a main supporting plate, rearwardly extending separator units mounted upon said plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units,

including a camrod mounted adjacent the lower edge of each" separator unit fofrotative adjustment for receiving partitioiifsti ips adjacent-one edge'and having a plurality of axiallyspacedfring surfaces for reducin'g. frictio'njbetween partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly'of partition strips, means for pulling downwardly the hottom'partition of each stack of partition strips including movably mounted suction devices mova ble into engagement with the bottom partition strips of stacks thereof, means for moving the suction devices into engagern'ent with bottorn partition strips and away from stacks with thebo'ttomstrips retained thereby, means for releasing retained strips to drop them into substantially vertical-positions, a conveyer belt for receiving dropped partition strips and for moving them toward an assembly "zone, and means for guiding and auxiliarly moving forward conveyedrpartition strips.

' '15. In an automatic feeder construction, in combination, a hopperstructure comprising amain supporting plate, rearwardlyextending separator units mounted upon said' plate for adjustment therealong, means mounted upon said separator units for supporting stacks of preformed partition strips between spaced pairs of separator units, including a cam rod mounted adjacent the lower 'edge of each separator unit for rotative adjustment for receiving partition strips adjacent one edge and having a plurality of axially spaced ring surfaces for reducing friction'between partition strip and cam rod upon removal downwardly of partition strips, means for pulling downwardly the bottom partition of-each stackof'parti References Cited in the file of this patent v UNITED STATES PATENTS Kent May 4, 1909 2,331,533 Bishop Oct. 12, 1943 2,352,088 Evans June 20, 1944 2,488,551 Nordquist et a1. Nov. 22, 1949 r 2,653,743 Stenger Sept. 29, 1953 2,761,680 Lens Sept. 4, 1956 2,827,287 Gross et al Mar. 18, 1958 2,845,264 Faeber -Iuly 29, 1958 1 FOREIGN PATENTS A Austria Dec. 28, 1925 

